Often, people assume that Japanese cooking relies heavily on meat, but the truth is that there’s so much more to it. These Japanese vegetarian recipes showcase the brilliance of Japanese cuisine without any meat involved. From salads to pancakes, this list has a diverse range of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. And they’re all scrumptious, it still surprises me that they’re vegetarian!
Obsessing over Japanese food is a common trait among many food enthusiasts, including myself. While traditional Japanese recipes aren’t just about wagyu and raw fish (although those are delicious), the variety of dishes is incredibly vast. Between colorful maki, hearty ramen, and delectable teriyaki, Japanese cuisine has something for everyone.
However, it’s worth noting that even though I’d love to indulge in a slice of A5 Kobe beef, these Japanese vegetarian recipes are just as mouthwatering.
Souffle Pancakes
Delighting breakfast enthusiasts everywhere, towering souffle pancakes have taken the popular dish to unprecedented heights in Japan. Drawing inspiration from this culinary innovation, our recipe amplifies the light and fluffy texture of the original by pairing it with an abundance of fresh berries and a generous dollop of whipped cream. I’ll be the first to admit that perfection took a few attempts to achieve, but one glance at these jiggly masterpieces was all the motivation I needed.
Clearly worth the effort, their heavenly allure is undeniable.
Japanese Rice
Jointly with millions of people worldwide who share my passion for rice, I firmly believe that making it from scratch is an essential skill. Unlike some European cuisines that rely on a time-consuming process of running rice through a sieve to drain excess water, Asian countries have a more straightforward and reliable method. Just recalling the simple 1:1 ratio is enough to get you one step closer to achieving perfectly steamed white rice with ease.
Teriyaki Sauce
Transforming the flavor of your dishes with just one sauce is certainly possible with this amazing teriyaki sauce. Tailored to provide the perfect balance of sweet and savory notes, it’s an essential item in every kitchen. The versatility of this sauce allows you to use it as a marinade or a sauce itself, elevating any food to new heights of flavor.
Typically applied to salmon and chicken, but not limited to them, teriyaki sauce is also an excellent choice for vegetables, such as the delectable grilled teriyaki eggplant that I’ve had the pleasure of trying. One of its most impressive qualities is its long shelf-life, making it easy to prepare a large batch at once without worrying about spoilage.
Miso-Glazed Carrots
Vibrant with its distinctive umami flavor, miso paste plays a starring role in numerous Japanese dishes. Its ability to elevate the taste of any ingredient makes it a versatile and sought-after condiment. A prime example of its impact is seen in these delectable miso-glazed carrots. While roasting carrots on their own can produce a rich caramelization, adding miso takes them to a whole new level of flavor.
The sweet, crunchy texture of the carrots perfectly complements the deep umami notes of the miso paste, creating a truly unbeatable combination. This unexpected union has taken carrot lovers by storm, making these glazed vegetables an irresistible treat.
Yaki Udon
Sometimes, we find ourselves powerless against the allure of a perfectly crafted Japanese dish like yaki udon. Its thick, starchy noodles are smothered in an incredibly savory umami-rich sauce and generously accompanied by a vibrant medley of colorful vegetables. It’s simply impossible to resist the temptation of this culinary delight.
In fact, while traditional yaki udon recipes often feature meat as a main component, this vegetarian-friendly adaptation is just as satisfying and delicious, if not more so. After all, it’s not necessarily the presence or absence of meat that makes a dish truly iconic – it’s the star of the show: those chunky, chewy noodles that elevate yaki udon to new heights of gastronomic pleasure.
Miso Soup
Rising above its seemingly simple appearance, miso soup is a rich and flavorful staple in traditional Japanese cuisine. The clear broth may belie its intense depth of flavor, which can be attributed to the use of dashi, an umami-rich soup base made from edible kelp and bonito flakes. These ingredients alone would already make for a compelling taste experience, with their bold and savory flavors likely to captivate even the most discerning palates.
Adding to the complexity of the dish is the miso paste, another essential Japanese flavor component that shares a similar affinity for umami notes. To complete this harmonious balance of flavors, cubes of firm tofu, strips of seaweed, and thinly sliced scallions are added, each element complementing and elevating the others in perfect culinary synergy.
Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls)
Navigating the world of Japanese cuisine can lead to discovering the delightful treat known as Onigiri or Omusubi – a traditional rice ball wrapped in nori seaweed sheets. This delectable dish comes in an array of shapes and sizes, but achieving perfection begins with mastering the art of preparing Japanese short-grain rice. The following recipe serves as a comprehensive guide, providing you with all the necessary steps to create these mouthwatering treats from scratch.
They can be stuffed with either sweet or savory ingredients, allowing for endless creativity, or enjoyed on their own for simplicity. This particular recipe utilizes umeboshi – a salted Japanese plum – but feel free to experiment and make it your own by incorporating your preferred fillings.
Japanese Cucumber Salad
Delight your senses with Japanese cucumber salad, a side dish that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful. The combination of juicy cucumber slices marinated in a mix of honey, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil creates a delightful harmony of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. To get the most out of this recipe, don’t be shy – let the cucumbers sit in the marinade for at least 20 minutes to allow them to absorb all the wonderful flavors. It’s a wait worth taking your time for!
Teriyaki Tofu
Surprisingly, tofu cubes baked in a sticky teriyaki glaze become an exceptional alternative to traditional protein sources. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking for a meatless option that’s hard to distinguish from the real thing, this dish is sure to impress. The texture of the tofu is remarkably similar to cooked meat, making it a great choice for those who crave the consistency but not the calories or environmental impact associated with animal products.
Spicy Edamame
Elevate your impromptu gatherings with this quick and delicious edamame recipe that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Crisp and crunchy edamame pods are transformed by a savory sauce made with chili sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt. The combination may seem simple, but the flavors it produces are truly impressive – salty, spicy, and bursting with umami goodness.
Ohitashi (Boiled Spinach)
Fresh from Japan’s culinary expertise comes a simple yet sophisticated spinach salad that will tantalize your taste buds. Although it may seem unassuming at first, this recipe’s magic lies in the ohitashi technique. Ohitashi is a traditional Japanese method where vegetables are gently steeped in dashi sauce, infusing them with an undeniable depth of flavor.
Specifically, when applied to spinach, the result is nothing short of culinary alchemy – transforming the humble green into a rich and savory delight that’s both subtle and profound. This side dish makes for an excellent addition to any Japanese bento, as its understated yet satisfying flavor won’t overpower other dishes.
Kombu Dashi
Admittedly, traditional dashi is made from bonito flakes and baby anchovy, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. Fortunately, an alternative has emerged that allows you to experience the depth of umami flavor without compromising your dietary preferences. This innovative substitute uses dried shiitake mushrooms and kelp, which are soaked in water to create a rich and flavorful broth.
While it may not match the intense flavor profile of traditional dashi, this vegetarian-friendly option still offers an exceptional taste experience.
Japanese Miso Eggplant
Making a lasting impression on food enthusiasts is not an easy task, but some dishes manage to do just that. My first encounter with miso eggplant was at a Japanese restaurant where it caught my attention as the waiter brought the dish to the table right across from mine. At that time, I had already ordered and was feeling quite full, but curiosity got the better of me and I decided to try some.
The moment the flavors hit my taste buds, I knew why this particular recipe stood out – its unique combination of ingredients was truly something special.
Simmered Daikon
Generally, daikon’s neutral taste makes it an excellent canvas for bold flavors. A simple yet effective example is cooking it in a savory soy-based broth, which yields a surprisingly delightful experience.
Japanese Watercress Salad
Pairing watercress with the right ingredients can elevate its flavor profile significantly. The sweet, savory, and nutty notes of the watercress salad make it an excellent choice as a snack or side dish for any Japanese meal. Watercress is a leafy green vegetable that shares similarities with spinach in terms of texture and appearance. Its tender leaves provide a delightful contrast to its crunchy stems.
Like other greens, watercress has the ability to absorb flavors from surrounding ingredients. In this recipe, a combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and mirin work together to infuse the watercress with a rich and savory taste. The end result is nothing short of delicious! Furthermore, watercress is an extremely nutritious ingredient, packed with vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants.
This makes it an excellent addition to your diet if you’re looking to boost its nutritional value.
Sugar Snap Pea and Carrot Soba Noodles
Juxtaposed against the vibrant colors of this dish, one can’t help but appreciate its culinary appeal. The harmonious union of carrots and sugar snap peas elevates soba noodles to a new level of gastronomic delight. Meanwhile, the ginger sesame sauce serves as the crowning glory, transforming each bite into an unforgettable experience.
To create this masterpiece, a medley of ingredients is carefully combined, including soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, sesame oil, honey, miso paste, fresh ginger, and garlic sauce, resulting in a flavor profile that’s nothing short of sublime.
Cucumber Sushi
Looking for a twist on traditional sushi? This recipe offers a refreshing alternative that’s both crunchy and flavorful. Cucumber rings are cleverly filled with avocado, bell pepper, and spicy mayo, creating a delightful combination of textures and tastes. The vibrant colors and satisfying crunch of this unique sushi variation make it a must-try for anyone looking to mix things up in the kitchen.
Japanese Cream Soda
New twists on classic flavors can be exciting, and turning melon-flavored soda into a dessert is no exception. The result is a delightful combination of the sweet, fruity taste of the soda paired with the creamy texture of vanilla ice cream. Interestingly, while cream sodas have been around for a while, the green color of melon-flavored soda can be a bit off-putting at first glance.
Nevertheless, this Japanese carbonated drink has gained popularity in recent times due to its unique taste, which is surprisingly sweet and refreshing.
Honey Toast
Gazing upon a perfectly crafted dessert, I’m met with a delightful assortment of textures and flavors. A generous block of crunchy, fluffy, honey-coated toast provides an unexpected base for the sweet treats that follow. Mini-Oreos add a burst of chocolatey goodness, while fresh strawberries provide a pop of juicy sweetness. Shredded chocolate chips sprinkle their way across the top, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
And finally, a scoop of creamy ice cream brings everything together in perfect harmony.
20 Best Japanese Vegetarian Recipe Collection
Laden with a vibrant array of flavors and textures, Japanese cuisine offers a diverse range of options for vegetarians. From classic dishes like colorful maki rolls to rich and savory heartier ramen broths to the sweet and sticky glazes found in delectable teriyaki recipes, these plant-based options bring an authentic taste of Japan to your table.
Instructions
Achieving a delicious meal can be as simple as following a few steps, starting with selecting your preferred recipe and then gathering all the necessary ingredients. Once you have everything ready, you can prep a mouth-watering Japanese dish in no time – often in just 30 minutes or less.
